Six Travelers Abducted in Benue, Ransom Set at N100 Million

On Tuesday morning, armed individuals kidnapped six travelers close to Kula village along the deteriorated Naka–Makurdi road in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Reports indicate that the kidnappers initiated contact with the families of the victims roughly two hours following the abduction, insisting on a ransom of N100 million for their freedom.

Witness accounts reveal that the group consisted of three men and three women, who were journeying in a convoy when their vehicle was intercepted early Tuesday.

Sources have mentioned that four of the abductees are believed to be members of the Ansaarudeen group, who had traveled from Ilorin to Naka late on Monday night.

They reportedly stayed overnight before resuming their journey around 5 am, only to encounter the armed assailants who took them hostage.

Contrarily, some accounts suggest that the victims spent Monday night in the Ankpa area of Kogi State, proceeding towards Makurdi at approximately 5 am when they were ambushed by the gunmen in Kula community, near Makurdi.

The husband of one victim confirmed the ordeal, stating that the abductors reached out to the families about two hours post-incident, demanding a ransom of N100 million.

“They are six in total—three males and three females. We are currently negotiating on how to raise the necessary funds,” he reported.

Victor Ormin, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, also validated the abduction, informing reporters in Makurdi that the victims were travelers moving in a convoy.

“It is accurate; I have confirmed the kidnapping. They left Naka around 5 am before encountering the bandits who seized some of them,” Ormin explained.

He noted that the incident transpired near Makurdi along the Naka–Makurdi route but could not immediately ascertain the precise number of individuals taken.

As of the time of reporting, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to inquiries for comments.